Anti-terror legislation attacks civil liberties

By Diane Hague

The protection of human rights and civil liberties is the fight against terrorism. A society that stands for peace, harmony, justice and democracy stands for the values that will conquer violence, fear and hatred.

Federation opposes the Howard Government's Anti-Terrorism Bill in its entirety but has particular concerns with the issues of control orders, preventative detention orders, sedition offences and the increased powers of the Australian Federal Police and ASIO. The provisions of the bill represent the gravest threat to the human rights and civil liberties that Australians have a right to expect in a secular, civil and democratic state.

The Federal Government's determination to push the Anti-Terrorism Bill through Parliament without proper consultation with the Australian community is condemned by Federation. Such major changes demand wide and extensive consultation. Following October Council's decision to condemn the anti-terrorism legislation, Federation has mounted a campaign.

A campaign website, Protecting Human Rights, was launched last week. The website includes a protest letter to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and other Federal Members of Parliament. Members are urged to send protest letters and to encourage their family, friends and their community to protest both the legislation and the inadequacy of the consultation.

The campaign website also has a link to the Senate Inquiry into the Anti-Terrorism Bill. Federation made a submission to the Senate Inquiry and a copy of that submission is available on the website. However, it is now too late for submissions as the Government only allowed three weeks for the Senate Inquiry and submissions closed on November 11. This is another example of the Government's contempt for due process.

Federation has raised its concerns with Unions NSW and has urged Unions NSW to make a formal statement opposing the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Bill and condemning the Federal Government's the lack of consultation with the Australian people. All other unions were called on to make similar statements of condemnation.

The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance has also mounted a campaign as the capacity of the sedition offences to suppress the freedom of journalists to investigate and report is of grave concern to their members. Federation has also called on Unions NSW to coordinate a rally, with broad organisational support, in opposition to the Howard Government's Anti-Terrorism Bill.

There is only a small window of opportunity for members to demonstrate their concerns about this draconian attack on our human rights and civil liberties. Federation urges you to make your voice heard.

Diane Hague is the Administration Officer (Media and Communications).

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